Countries designated 'at-risk' are the European countries, the UK, South Africa, Brazil, Botswana, China, Mauritius, New Zealand, Zimbabwe, Singapore, Hong Kong and Israel.
A staff wearing a protective suit checks temperature of a passenger boarding an international flight at Narita international airport in Narita, east of Tokyo, Japan, November 30, 2021. Photo: Reuters/Kim Kyung-Hoon
Mumbai: Amid concerns over the Omicron variant of coronavirus, Maharashtra has mandated seven-day institutional quarantine for travellers arriving in the state from ‘at-risk’ countries.
The State Disaster Management Authority on Tuesday night issued the guidelines, an official said.
According to an updated list, the countries designated as ‘at-risk’ are the European countries, the UK, South Africa, Brazil, Botswana, China, Mauritius, New Zealand, Zimbabwe, Singapore, Hong Kong and Israel. Bangladesh was removed from the list on Tuesday.
Such passengers will also undergo RT-PCR test on second, fourth and seventh day of the arrival, the authority said in its latest guidelines.
If a passenger is found to be positive, he or she will be shifted to a hospital. In case the test is negative, the passenger will still have to undergo seven-day home quarantine.
“In addition to normal RT-PCR, 30 Rapid PCR machines, are available for the passengers having connecting onward flights with short connecting time. This facility will be upscaled further if required,” Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport said.
According to CSMIA, a large sitting area for the passengers awaiting their RT-PCR results has been set up with amenities like washrooms and refreshments.
“Passengers who have not done their pre booking of RT-PCR test online, QR codes have been displayed at various locations in the arrival corridor.
Passengers from other than ‘at-risk’ countries will have to undergo compulsory RT-PCR test at the airport. Even if found negative, they will have to undergo 14-day home quarantine.
If found positive, the patient will be shifted to a hospital, the guidelines added.
Stricter norms
While no cases of Omicron have been reported so far in India, Union Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan on Tuesday advised states not to let their guard down and keep a strict vigil on the international passengers coming to the country through various airports, ports and land border crossings.
Further, the ministry has asked states to send all positive samples for genome sequencing to INSACOG Labs (mapped with states) promptly.
In the wake of the new guidelines, aviation regulator DGCA has issued a circular asking airlines and airport operators to ensure various measures are in place.
“Separate holding area (while they are waiting for their RT-PCR test results) may be demarcated for the passengers coming from ‘at-risk’ countries in each airport, with proper amenities for passengers…,” the regulator said in the circular dated November 29.
To avoid congestion, the DGCA has emphasised the need to ensure that COVID appropriate behaviour is followed.
“Signages may be put up at prominent places and volunteers may be placed to guide the passengers to prevent any chaos,” it noted.
‘Randomisation process’
With respect to identifying passengers for random RT-PCR tests, the watchdog said that airlines should put in place proper randomisation process.
“Announcements as to the seat numbers selected through the randomisation process may be made in the flight itself so that passengers are prepared,” the regulator said.
Among other requirements, international passengers have to fill the self declaration form on Air Suvidha portal.
While filling up the form, all incoming passengers may be advised to plan their onward journey keeping in mind the stay at the airport to obtain the test results, the DGCA said.
Also, passengers should be prepared for movement to quarantine facilities identified by state governments if they test positive at the airport.
“Additional RT-PCR facilities, as required, may also be set up at all airports,” the regulator said. Officials on Tuesday said the Delhi international airport has made arrangements to accommodate at the airport up to 1,500 international passengers at a time, including those coming from from ‘at-risk’ countries, till results of their RT-PCR tests taken after arrival are declared.
Each passenger who will undergo the RT-PCR test will be charged around Rs 1,700. The amount includes charges for the RT-PCR test, and food and water during their stay at the airport till the test results come, they said.
Airports amp up measures
An Airports Authority of India (AAI) spokesperson said all AAI airports that have international operations are “fully prepared” to implement the guidelines issued by the Union government in coordination with state authorities.
The spokesperson also said that the top management of the AAI is also monitoring the situation.
State-owned AAI is involved in operations of 34 international airports, including customs airports.
A spokesperson for the Bengaluru international airport said, “We are working with all the airlines and other stakeholders to implement the new procedures and minimise inconvenience to passengers.”
A spokesperson for full service carrier Vistara said that in light of the new guidelines for testing and screening of international passengers at airports, it has already made necessary changes to the minimum connecting time for future bookings of relevant flights.
“Additionally, we will also try and assist our passengers, as best as we can, to ensure that they have a convenient travel experience,” the spokesperson said.
(With PTI inputs)
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